When they’re not running out to battle blazes like this year’s Akawa Butte fire or last year’s Flat Fire, firefighters cook a lot. That’s one fun fact that Sisters resident Leslie Pade picked up in 2025, when she and her family were forced to evacuate their home. While the Flat Fire picked up speed and Pade drove away from her home, fire crews were driving in. That blaze ultimately destroyed five homes, but Pade’s wasn’t one of them.
In the wake of the fire, Pade’s sense of gratitude led her to create Fire Proof Salt & Seasoning Co., crafting small-batch, seasoning blends featuring smoked sea salt or smoked spices. The six blends are free from gluten, MSG and artificial flavors. Flavors include Campfire Catch, a “smoky, buttery, savory citrusy” blend ideal for seafood, along with the Hot Shot Cajun with smoky Cajun flavors and a subtle heat, ideal for chicken; and the Five Alarm Seasoning, a spicy mixture that works in any dish calling for spicy heat, the company’s website describes.
Perhaps most unique is the company’s gift-pack program that lets customers donate a pack of seasoning blends to the firehouse of their choice. In addition, the company donates 10% of profits to supporting fire and EMS crews in Oregon.
“Fortunately, we were able to return to our home because of heroic efforts by all our fire teams,” Pade wrote in a press release. “We wanted to create a company that could give back something tangible to firefighters, and we’ve been told by many that firefighters cook a lot. Another benefit
for our family and yours: when you reach for your seasonings, it’s a reminder of fire safety and evacuation readiness all year long.”
Fire Proof Salt & Seasoning Co.’s products are available on its website, fireproofsalt.com.
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